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Practice |
A comprehensive online e-guide to golf learning and improvement! |
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Practice Makes Perfect |
Practice Makes Permanent |
Below is a sample of a practice schedule for a high level golfer. Beginners need to be aware that while golf can be relatively simple, it does take time and practice to develop good skills. The analogy of learning to play the piano is a nice parallel to golf. You certainly would not sit at a piano and play a marvelous rendition of Bach or Mozart on the first day! I also like the concept of the belt system used in Karate and other martial arts. You need to work through the different levels and lessons before moving on to more advanced things. |
Maintenance Practice Regimen The following is a practice schedule for a player in the single digit handicap zone. This practice routine is for maintenance only and is not intended for players wishing to improve their game. A visit with the Pro is recommended from time to time. Time spent playing is usually not considered viable practice time. Full swing practice-min. 100 balls minimum (300 max)per session. Should take around 30 minutes up to one hour. 2 days per week- 30% wedges 30% irons 10% fairway wood/hybrid 30% Driver The focus of these sessions should be on target practice and adjustments. Tempo, rhythm and routine should also be noted. These sessions are not for swing technique. Practice days should be spread out. For ex: Monday, Thursday Short game practice-30 minutes minimum each session, up to one hour. 2 days per week-preferably different days than full swing 1/3 chipping 1/3 pitching and lob 1/3 putting-emphasis on speed-lag control and very short putts (2 feet). Add 5 minutes of greenside bunker play Sample Practice Schedule: Monday- Full Swing 30 Minutes Tuesday- Short Game 30 Minutes Wednesday- Play 9 Holes Thursday- Off Friday- Full Swing 30 Minutes Saturday- Off Sunday- Short Game 30 Minutes Feel free to make any of these sessions 60 minutes, but don't do more than that without switching to another type of practice. (don't do 90 minutes of full swing, switch to short game to keep you fresh) Improvement Practice Regimen Same as above however, the following additions are made. Add extra days and/or time. Extra days, extra balls and extra time are all options. Time spent playing is usually not viable practice time. 1) Let's say that you and your Pro have made it a goal to increase your shoulder turn. You could add an extra 15 minutes per full swing session for the purposes of working on just that one topic. In addition, this change can be worked on at other times as well. You're in the office and you decide to stand up, grab your thumb and take several large turned practice swings every hour or two. 2) Add an extra day or 2 of practice. If you're working on the driver, then why not go 5 days a week until the improvement occurs. Just a half hour at a time is plenty when added to your regular maintenance schedule. 3) See your Pro on a regular basis during this process. Following is a practice schedule for a player who is specifically working on improving his shoulder turn and improving his feel around the greens to reduce 3 putts: Monday- 15 Minutes Shoulder Turn Practice, Full Swing 30 Minutes Tuesday- Short Game 30 Minutes + 20 minutes extra time working on lag putts Wednesday- 15 minutes on green then Play 9 Holes Thursday- 15 Minutes Shoulder Turn Practice, Full Swing 45 Minutes Friday- 15 Minutes Shoulder Turn Practice, Full Swing 30 Minutes Saturday- Off Sunday- Short Game 60 Minutes+ 20 minutes extra time working on lag putts |